Natural antibiotics
1. Garlic
Cultures
across the world have long recognized garlic for its preventive and curative
powers.
Research
has found that garlic can be an effective treatment against
many forms of bacteria, including Salmonella and Escherichia
coli (E. coli). Garlic has even
been considered for use against multi-drug resistant tuberculosis.
2. Honey
Since
the time of Aristotle, honey has been used as an ointment that helps wounds to
heal and prevents or draws out infection.
Healthcare
professionals today have found it helpful in treating chronic wounds, burns,
ulcers, bedsores, and skin grafts. For example, results of a study from 2016 demonstrate
that honey dressings can help to heal wounds.
The
antibacterial effects of honey are usually attributed to its hydrogen peroxide
content. However, manuka honey fights off bacteria, though it has a lower
hydrogen peroxide content.
A
2011 study reported that the best-known type of honey inhibits approximately 60 kinds of bacteria.
It also suggests that honey successfully treats wounds infected with
methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
Antibacterial
properties aside, honey may help wounds to heal by providing a protective
coating that fosters a moist environment.
3. Ginger
The
scientific community also recognizes ginger as a natural antibiotic. Several studies,
including one published in 2017, have demonstrated
ginger's ability to fight many strains of bacteria.
Researchers
are also exploring ginger's power to combat seasickness and nausea and to lower
blood sugar levels.
4. Echinacea
Native American and other traditional healers have used echinacea for
hundreds of years to treat infections and wounds. Researchers are beginning to
understand why.
A study published
in the Journal
of Biomedicine and Biotechnology reports that extract of Echinacea
purpurea can kill many different kinds of bacteria, including Streptococcus
pyogenes (S. pyogenes).
S.
pyogenes is responsible for strep throat,
toxic shock syndrome, and the "flesh-eating disease" known as necrotizing fasciitis.
Echinacea
may also fight inflammation associated
with bacterial infection. It is available to purchase in health stores or online.
5. Goldenseal
Goldenseal
is usually consumed in tea or capsules to treat respiratory and digestive
problems. However, it may also combat bacterial diarrhea and urinary tract infections.
In
addition, results of a recent study support
the use of goldenseal to treat skin infections. In a lab, goldenseal extracts
were used to prevent MRSA from damaging tissue.
A
person taking prescription medications should check with a doctor before taking
goldenseal, as this supplement can cause interference.
Goldenseal
also contains berberine, an important component of natural antibiotics. This
alkaloid is not safe for infants, or women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Goldenseal
capsules are available to purchase in health stores or online.
6.
Clove
Clove
has traditionally been used in dental procedures. Research is now finding that
clove water extract may be effective against
many different kinds of bacteria, including E. coli.
7.
Oregano
Some
believe that oregano boosts the immune system and acts as an antioxidant. It may have anti-inflammatory properties.
While
researchers have yet to verify these claims, some studies show that oregano is
among the more effective natural
antibiotics, particularly when it is made it into an oil.
Risks of natural antibiotics
Just
because something is labeled natural, it is not necessarily safe.
The
amounts and concentrations of active ingredients vary among brands of
supplements. Read labels carefully. A person should also inform their
healthcare provider if they plan to take these supplements.
While
cooked garlic is usually safe to consume, research suggests that taking
concentrated garlic may increase the risk of
bleeding. This can be dangerous for people facing surgery or taking blood
thinners.
Garlic
concentrates may also reduce the usefulness of HIV medications.
Certain
products should be avoided, including colloidal silver. This substance consists
of microscopic pieces of silver suspended in water.
Colloidal
silver has been recommended as a treatment for a variety of diseases, including
the bubonic plague and HIV. However, according to the National Center for
Complementary and Integrative Health, it can be dangerous, and no credible studies back up these uses.
Taking
colloidal silver supplements may interfere with the effectiveness of
antibiotics and medication used to treat an underactive thyroid gland.
Silver
can also build up in the body and turn the skin bluish-gray. This condition is
called argyria and is permanent in most people.
When to use
prescribed antibiotics
Due to the current increase in drug-resistant diseases, most
doctors do not prescribe antibiotics unless they are effective and necessary.
Antibiotics are most often prescribed to:
·
prevent the spread of
infectious diseases
·
prevent a condition
from becoming more serious or fatal
·
speed recovery from
illness or injury
·
prevent development of
complications
If a person is prescribed antibiotics, they should take the
entire dosage as directed. This is especially encouraged in people with a
higher risk of bacterial infection, or who face greater risks if they become
ill, such as people who are:
·
scheduled for surgery
·
receiving chemotherapy
·
HIV-positive
·
living with heart failure
·
recovering from
serious wounds
·
over 75 years old
·
under 3 days old
When an individual is allergic to prescription antibiotics or
suffers side effects, they may want to discuss other options with a doctor.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC), each year more than 2 million Americans become unwell from drug-resistant
bacteria, resulting in 23,000 annual deaths.
These
bacteria constitute a growing threat, and the key to developing new and
effective medications may lie in treatments of the past — natural antibiotics.
While
natural antibiotics may present opportunities, they also carry risks. Still,
research into these treatments is growing, and an increasing number of
substances are being tested. Natural antibiotics traditionally used for
centuries may contribute to the lifesaving drugs of tomorrow.
.
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